Staying stylish in the Village

Ottawa’s Village denizens are about to get even better looking. A new clothing shop has just taken up residence at One in Ten and is looking to expand further in the coming year. David Fuller owns Düfler Denim with his business partner, Michael McCormick. The business is a one-stop shop for club and fetish gear, leather accessories and, of course, denim.

Fuller has been in the clothing and retail business since 1985. A graduate of the Academy of Design in Toronto, he’s worked as a merchandiser for Banana Republic and has an eye for detail and craftsmanship. After more than 20 years in the business, he decided to open his own company, focusing on trendy clubwear that can be dressed up or down for everyday wear or a night on the town.

Fuller set up shop at One in Ten in April, and he says business has been good. “Things are starting to take off,” he says. “We’ve had really good sales.” Currently, he occupies a smallish nook, but he says he has plans to quadruple his merchandise in the next few weeks. He’s also hoping to open a new space between MacLaren and Gilmour that will allow him to reach a broader clientele and bring in some products aimed at women, and he plans to offer in-store events at both locations, including trunk shows and party events.

The One in Ten space caters more specifically to the LGBT community, with the focus on a gay male clientele. Düfler Denim carries a variety of product lines, including J Rag Denim and TapouT; Montreal-based brands TXT, Kärv and Rufen (which include women’s clothing); Supreme 75; and Big Time International. Fuller also plans to offer exclusive Düfler brand tees and leather accessories.

Düfler Denim’s One in Ten location will be an exclusive Ottawa retailer of Priape products, Fuller says, carrying a complete line of merchandise. Fuller says his business arrangement with the company is very low-risk, allowing him to exchange unsold merchandise for newer items. “That’s what’s going to be fun between here and the shop. I can bounce back and switch up merchandise based on demand.”

By bringing in brands that until now were mostly available only in bigger cities like Montreal and Toronto, Fuller says that Ottawans will have the chance to be on the cutting edge of fashion and that the edgy styles will appeal to those who like to make bold statements with their clothing. “You’ve got to kind of have guts to put on a pair of jeans and look that current and leading-edge.”

In addition to business partner McCormick, Fuller is working with photographer and graphic designer Mark Webster and One in Ten owner Tom Ramsey. “I’m thrilled to have the team that I have right now in place,” he says. “I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

Giving back to community organizations is something Fuller says is important to him, and he hopes to forge partnerships with other Village businesses rather than competing. He says Düfler Denim will be sponsoring the ACO’s Snowblower Festival in February and will lend its support to Bruce House, and he plans to release a new line of clothing exclusively for Mr Leather Ottawa (MLO) weekend in November. Düfler Denim will have a booth at LGX on Saturday, Oct 4, and Fuller says he’s planning to participate in an underwear event at Swizzles at the end of October, in partnership with Snowblower.

“If it wasn’t for those community supports, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now,” Fuller says. “So for me to stay grounded and centred in the business, I have to remind myself of where I come from.”

Düfler Denim shares space with One in Ten, 256 Bank St, Ste 205
Open Monday to Saturday, noon–8pm
For more info, visit
facebook.com/pages/dufler-denim
duflerdenim.com